Watford Market is undergoing much needed investment with the town's mayor "determined" to have a "thriving" market.

Watford Borough Council says it wants to revitalise Watford Market and "attract a new generation of customers" as well as new independent traders.

The council plans to do this by investing £250,000 into the "tucked away" market by renovating empty units, creating new signage and planting, and adding "refreshing" branding.

Other plans to revamp the current market space are being explored such as the creation of a community cafe and seating area.

Mayor Peter Taylor said: "We are a market town, with roots back to the 12th century and I am determined to make sure we have a thriving market in the future.

"I look forward to working with traders to make sure our market is as successful as it can possibly be. Our small businesses are the lifeblood of Watford’s economy, making a vital contribution to the success of our town.

"To support them and Watford Market stallholders, we also launched our Shop Local campaign. It’s vital, now more than ever, that we all do what we can to support our local Watford businesses in what has been a difficult year for everyone."

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Watford Observer:

Investment at Watford Market has been a long time coming with its location and general feel putting off many shoppers in Watford High Street.

Back in 2018, when the council took over the running of the council, traders told the Observer they were "hopeful" the market could be "turned around".

However, the quarter of a million pound investment announced is some way off what the council originally had in mind.

At the beginning of 2020, councillors approved funding of £750,000 but £500,000 was slashed off the budget by July due to "financial pressures arising from the Covid-19 pandemic".

When £750,000 was approved, the council said it would be spent on new signage, seating, lighting, a new colour scheme, banners, gazebos, and shutters, as well as arranging for vintage markets to come to Watford on a Sunday.

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The council says the £250,000 investment began earlier this month with work planned to be completed in the summer.

The project will be carried out in partnership with the market's management company, Market Asset Management.